From AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
THE Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), has commenced the construction of a world-class research laboratory at the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), in Kogi State.
Speaking at the project’s groundbreaking and foundation laying ceremony at the FUL campus Felele, Lokoja, the MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, said the gesture was in continuation of ASR Africa’s various strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary education.
According to him, the N250 million world-class research laboratory was one of its many interventions under its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), drawn from ASR Africa’s US$100 million Fund for Social Development and Renewal.
Udoh thanked the management and students of the university for the warm reception accorded him and his team and reiterated the commitment of the chairman to supporting quality education within tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He encouraged the management and students to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facility as a show of appreciation for the grant.
“The ASR Africa grant and award process began in December 2022 and the confirmation of the university’s nomination was met with great joy by the university community.
“The Tertiary Education Grant Scheme of the ASR Africa is a personal commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, to give back to the African continent.
“The objective is to make an enduring impact in education as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of Africans,” Udoh said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, expressed gratitude to the chairman of ASR Africa, for his benevolence, saying it would enhance the institution’s capacity for scientific inquiry and innovation.
He stressed that the project would address the challenge of infrastructure deficit, especially in the area of research.
Akinwumiem added that it would provide a learning platform for explorations, discoveries, innovations and scientific advancements in the physical and life sciences.
“This is not just a donation, it is a powerful investment in the future of our students and our university.
“We are immensely grateful for your support and your belief in our mission,” he said.
He further explained that the facility would provide students and researchers with the tools and environment necessary to conduct cutting-edge research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and drive scientific breakthroughs.
The VC pledged the commitment of the university to judiciously utilise the facility to its fullest and assured that the donor’s investment would yield profound and lasting benefits.
Ms. Beauty Ene-Ojo, the representative of the Students Union Government, thanked ASR Africa for the invaluable gesture.
She noted that the project was a testament to ASR Africa’s diligent efforts and unwavering commitment to providing the students with the best learning environment.
Our correspondent reports that ASR Africa is the brainchild of African industrialist, philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group.
It would be recalled that ASR Africa was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting health, education and social development within Africa.
